Over the past few years, the Paleo Diet has achieved international fame. Dieters around the world snacked on foods that ancient man once ate, hoping to shed pounds and quickly. But a new Australian study published in Nutrition and Diabetes argues the exact opposite. The Paleo diet, the study says, doesn't help you lose pounds — it helps you gain them. Fast.

For the study, lab animals were fed a steady Paleo diet, comprised of high-fat foods and low carbs. Within two months, the animals gained 15% of their body weight and developed painful diseases. Mice in the study demonstrated increased gluten intolerance, often seen as a precursor to diabetes.

The Paleo diet is grounded in seemingly intuitive nutrition principles. Eating animals and animal fats, the diet argues, is infinitely healthier than eating processed foods and carbs. Fresh fish and chicken is far better than any low-carb diet.

Scientists were careful to note in the study findings that mice and humans have different metabolisms, and may not respond to the same diet in the same way.

Some doctors do (cautiously) recommend a higher fat, lower carb diet for weight loss. This study, and this type of diet, is just one among many.

While the diet may have its loyal followers, these scientists weren't so convinced.

"Our results do not support the recommendation of a​ [low-carb, high-fat diet] for use in prediabetes; rather interventions aimed specifically at reducing obesity and improving insulin sensitivity should be pursued," researchers wrote.

Add these findings to the millions of questions and millions more questionable diets out there that people are following.

Mashable
is a global, multi-platform media and entertainment company. Powered by its own proprietary technology, Mashable is the go-to source for tech, digital culture and entertainment content for its dedicated and influential audience around the globe.